by Chelsea Nelson
Interactive Communications Director

Last week United Way of Salt Lake held the Women’s Philanthropic Network’s annual signature event, Power of Your Purse. This yearly event is an opportunity for WPN members and their friends to come together for a night of networking and fun, as well as a chance to better understand the goals of WPN’s effort, Women for Educational Achievement.

Mary Ann Holladay, who has selflessly given her time and talent for the past six years was honored as the WPN member of the year. Mary Ann has provided valuable leadership as chair of the Women for Educational Achievement committee and has been instrumental in the progress and development of the strategies that will make a huge impact on the lives of young women. Congratulations, Mary Ann!

WPN members heard speakers such as Susan B. Newman, Professor in Educational Studies at the University of Michigan and Kate Falchi, current head brand manager and senior designer for Carlos Falchi brands. They also had the opportunity to hear from a panel of young women who spoke about their educational goals for the future and various obstacles they have had to overcome.

WPN is a diverse group of women taking a leading role by investing in and influencing solutions to complex issues. WPN engages the power, wisdom, and generosity of women to create a stronger a community today and for future generations. Women want their efforts to bring about community change and WPN is taking action and working to ensure that girls and women of all ages have the opportunity to recognize their potential through education.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! Also a big thank you to UWSL staff and everyone who worked tirelessly to make Power of Your Purse 2012 a success!

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A special THANK YOU to our sponsors: Wells Fargo, The Mark and Kathie Miller Foundation, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Questar, ATK, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Intermountain Healthcare, KSL, Paula Green Johnson, David S. Thomas, M.D., Zions Bank, Ernst & Young, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., Utah System of Higher Education.